True flamenco is a potent, resolutely uncivilized blend of Spanish, Indian, Arabic, Roma (gypsy), and Sephardic Jewish sources. Its raw intensity is usually an acquired taste outside of Spain, as mere prettiness is not its goal. Instead, it is made up of unrestrained emotion and is expressed via jagged rhythms and primal wails. Vocalists and guitarists court oblivion via ardent improvisation, which in turn ignites the famously proud, feral dancers. The usual configuration consists of one or more guitars and leather-lunged ...
Read More
True flamenco is a potent, resolutely uncivilized blend of Spanish, Indian, Arabic, Roma (gypsy), and Sephardic Jewish sources. Its raw intensity is usually an acquired taste outside of Spain, as mere prettiness is not its goal. Instead, it is made up of unrestrained emotion and is expressed via jagged rhythms and primal wails. Vocalists and guitarists court oblivion via ardent improvisation, which in turn ignites the famously proud, feral dancers. The usual configuration consists of one or more guitars and leather-lunged singers, plus assorted enthusiasts who encourage the proceedings with exultant cries and polyrhythmic handclaps called palmas. While most of the best-known practitioners are from Gitane (Spanish Roma) backgrounds, there are also several notable payo (non-Roma) practitioners. At its best, flamenco can be the gateway to a heightened metaphysical state known as duende, which Garcia Lorca once described as "the last blood-filled room of the soul," a pleasure so close to pain that it overwhelms and surpasses it. This dark ecstasy is not easily understood by the casual listener and can never be achieved by the faint of heart. Flamenco takes some knowing, but fortunately its majestic passion can be appreciated on multiple levels. The artists on this set were recorded during the mid-20th century, which was a major heyday for flamenco. The tunes express every possible facet of the style, from slow burns to howls of fate-afflicted outrage. There are even a few incongruously merry fandangos. This is the real deal, 16 tracks of authentic, borderline-unhinged spontaneity captured in full cry. ~ Christina Roden, Rovi
Read Less
Portions of content provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2024 Rovi Corporation.